Federal health officials warn that nearly 80 individuals have been sickened as part of a multi-state salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to certain Spring Pasta salads, calling on consumers to check their refrigerators and to discard the products immediately.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a multi-state food poisoning outbreak warning on August 1, alerting consumers that certain Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salads have been recalled after trace back investigations determined the products may contain Salmonella, a serious and sometimes fatal foodborne illness.

The CDC’s update indicates that at least 79 individuals across nine states have fallen ill with similar strains of Salmonella, resulting in eighteen hospitalizations. To date, no deaths have been reported in relation to the recall.

The recall includes Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salads that were packaged in both one pound and three pound containers. The potentially contaminated products were produced from June 1 through July 13 and were distributed to all 244 Hy-Vee grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to the recall notice, the expiration date for the impacted products range from June 22, 2018 through August 3, 2018. Expiration information can be found on the side of the containers.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis and seriously sicken the affected person. Salmonellosis is one of the most common food borne illnesses. Symptoms of the illness include, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever typically within 12 to 72 hours after eating the tainted product and may last for up to 4 to 7 days. While most patients recover without needing medical treatment, in some more serious cases, patient’s diarrhea may be so severe they need hospitalization and IV fluids.

The FDA recommends that anyone who handled the potentially recalled products thoroughly wash their hands, containers, utensils or surfaces that could have come in contact with the products to prevent further spread of contamination.

Hy-Vee announced they have removed all known contaminated products from store shelves and are advising consumers to check their refrigerators and discard any recalled pasta salads or return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. Customers with additional questions or concerns may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care at 1-800-772-4098.